*Joint Press Release*

MELROSE – As prom approaches next week, Police Chief Michael L. Lyle and Melrose High School Principal Marianne Farrell are working to ensure students and parents have positive and safe experiences.

MHS senior prom will take place on June 1 at Gillette Stadium.

For students, prom can be one of the most memorable and exciting events of their high school career, but for parents, it can be a stressful night. Students should remember their decisions can have long-term consequences.

Chief Lyle and Principal Farrell ask that parents reinforce the importance of good decision making with their children and facilitate conversations often and regularly about potentially destructive choices.

“Parents should sit down with their children and have an honest discussion about acceptable behavior before, during and after prom,” Principal Farrell said. “Set expectations and rules so that students go into the night with a set of guidelines to ensure they remain safe and responsible.”

Tips for students to stay safe before and after the prom:

Think responsibly: Don’t feel pressured to take part in inappropriate behavior — prior, during, or after the dance. It’s OK to say no, even if others are participating.

Travel safely: According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for U.S. teenagers. Always buckle up, no matter how short the trip. It’s the law.
—– Don’t text and drive. Texting and cell phone use while driving is illegal for Massachusetts teens under 18 years old.
—– Don’t drink and drive, and don’t get in a car with a driver who has been drinking

Be alert: Dating violence is an issue that can affect anybody — those in a long-term relationship, or people who just met. Abuse can be verbal, emotional, physical, or sexual. Know beforehand what your boundaries are and communicate those to your partner. Where ever you go after prom, don’t be afraid to tell a family member, friend, or call 911 if you or someone you know is abused or in danger.

Parents can play a large role in helping their children have a safe, yet memorable evening.

Communicate: Have a pre-prom talk to set guidelines for students during prom and remind them of the consequences for breaking the rules. Reinforce that you will not tolerate underage drinking, and that’s it’s illegal. Get students’ itineraries for the evening, including whom they will be with, where they’ll be going before and after the prom, and the phone numbers of where you can contact them. Come to a fair decision on a curfew and express any concerns about their health and safety.—– If students are not coming home right after prom, set up check-in times throughout the night and following morning.

Plan ahead: After prom parties should be adult supervised. Students are recommended to always go with a buddy and notify parents or guardians where they’ll be and how to reach them.
—– Adults should not let teens drink at home, even if no one plans to drive and keys are confiscated. Keep alcohol and prescription drugs in a locked cabinet. Under the Social Host law, parents are criminally and civilly liable if they allow underage drinking to occur in their houses.

Be understanding: Let students know they can call you at any time for help, advice or a ride with the promise to not shame or embarrass them in front of others.
—– Establish a code word your teen can say to let you know if they are in trouble or need your help.

*Joint Press Release*

MELROSE – Prior to graduation next month, Police Chief Michael L. Lyle and Melrose High School Principal Marianne Farrell ask that the community review several important safety tips to ensure a positive experience for all.

MHS graduation will take place on June 3.

“This is certainly an exciting time for both students, parents, family and friends,” Chief Lyle said. “When celebrating, please be respectful of others and always put safety first.”

“We would like to congratulate the entire class of 2016 for their accomplishments and wish them good luck on all their future endeavors,” Principal Farrell said. “During the festivities, we remind students to be safe and responsible.”

Students, please remember:

To not feel pressured to drink or do drugs. The penalty for person under 21 years old who attempts to purchase alcohol, makes arrangements to buy alcohol, or uses a fake I.D. is a suspended license for 180 days and a $300 fine.

Never drink and drive. Do not get in a car with anyone who has been drinking or is under the influence of drugs.

Respect yourself and others. Know your boundaries and don’t hesitate to call 911 if you or someone you know is being abused.

Parents can help their students celebrate appropriately. Chief Lyle and Principal Farrell recommend that adults:

Know their teenagers’ plans. Find out where your student is going, who it’s with and what they’ll be doing. Make sure all parties are supervised and that you and other adults share the same expectations about party behavior. Offer to drive your teenager to and from parties.

Set firm guidelines and expectations for post-ceremony celebrations. Establish a reasonable curfew and check-in periodically.

If you’re hosting the party, provide non-alcoholic beverages and do not tolerate drugs on your property. Keep alcohol at home in a locked cabinet. Under the Social Host Law, parents are criminally and civilly liable if they allow underage drinking to occur in their homes.

Keep an eye out for students bringing in backpacks or large purses, which could be used to conceal alcohol. Put guests’ belongings in a room and watch out for those who may be going into their bags to retrieve alcohol or drugs that could have slipped past you at the door.

At the same time, if an invited guest arrives intoxicated or under the influence of drugs, be prepared to call the person’s parents. Alert adults to your rules before the celebration so they are aware of the consequences if their teen becomes a problem.

Melrose Police, Fire to Compete in Softball Tournament

MELROSE — Police Chief Michael L. Lyle and Fire Chief Chris Leary would like to invite residents to attend the second annual Police and Fire Softball Game this summer.

The event coincides with National Night Out, a campaign that promotes partnerships between police and their communities to foster relationships and improve safety in neighborhoods. It occurs the first Tuesday in August.

On Tuesday, Aug. 4 at 5 p.m., the Police Department will face off against the Fire Department in a friendly competition at Morelli Field, by Melrose High School, 360 Lynn Fells Parkway. There are no winners, just bragging rights for a year.

Admission is free to the public. John Gately from Gately Funeral Home will serve as the announcer, as he did last year.

“Last year’s event was fun for police, fire and the community,” Chief Lyle said. “Everybody enjoyed themselves and many residents had the chance to meet and talk to their public safety officials. We welcome all to attend this year as well.”

Several raffles items will be up for grabs, including Patriots tickets, gift baskets from the police and fire departments and gift certificates from local businesses.

Afterward, there will be a free party at Melrose Fish and Game with light refreshments, hamburgers and hotdogs.